SHC dismisses plea against tree cutting, construction at Karachi Zoo

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the cutting of old trees, demolition of animal enclosures and ongoing construction work at the Karachi Zoological Garden.

A two-member constitutional bench comprising Justice Mohammad Saleem Jessar and Justice Nisar Ahmed Bhanbhro ruled that the petitioner had not identified any illegality, irregularity or mala fide in the activities being carried out at the zoo.

Petitioner Ali Abbas had moved the court last month, naming the chief secretary, Karachi mayor, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), senior director of Karachi Zoo and others as respondents. He had asked the court to declare the felling of trees, demolition of enclosures and construction work inside the zoo unlawful.

He also sought directions for the authorities to restore the zoo to its original condition, including the rebuilding of demolished animal enclosures and plantation.

The petitioner’s lawyer argued that the removal of old and mature trees had caused harmful environmental effects, disturbed the ecological balance of the zoo and negatively affected the health and welfare of animals as well as members of the public visiting the facility.

On the other hand, an additional advocate general of Sindh and lawyers representing the KMC and other respondents told the court that the construction work was being undertaken only to upgrade and improve facilities at Karachi Zoo. They said the development was intended to improve living conditions for the animals and make the recreational site more convenient for visitors.

The respondents further submitted that some trees had indeed been cut during the course of the work, but said this had been done as part of the area’s development and recreational planning.

According to the court order, the respondents’ counsel, along with a provincial law officer, gave a categorical assurance that no wrongful or unauthorised act had taken place within the zoo premises. They also assured the bench that adequate measures would be taken for plantation and replantation of a substantial number of trees after the construction work is completed.

"In view of the submissions made by the learned counsel, it appears that the KMC, being the custodian and managing authority of the Karachi Zoo, is undertaking necessary repair, rehabilitation and up-gradation works within the premises. It has been explained that the ongoing construction forms part of a broader and structured plan for the modernisation and rehabilitation of the Zoo infrastructure," the order stated.

The order said the plan was aimed at improving existing facilities, including better and more suitable enclosures for animals, improved environmental and living standards within the zoo, and enhanced recreational and visitor facilities in line with contemporary standards of zoological management and public utility infrastructure. "Since the overall objective of the project is not only infrastructural improvement but also the welfare of animals and facilitation of the visiting public, while ensuring that any environmental impact arising from the construction activities is duly mitigated through appropriate replantation and other remedial measures in accordance with law," it said.

The bench ultimately held that the petitioner had failed to show any illegality, irregularity or mala fide in the construction activities at the zoo and dismissed the petition.